The Long Shift, novel
A mill town family across three generations and one very bad winter.
Four books, two decades
Books about people who stayed
Novels and narrative nonfiction set in small industrial towns, about the ones who did not leave. The fifth book, a nonfiction account of a closing paper mill, comes out next spring.
4published books
9languages translated
60+events a year
2007first novel published
Books and bookings
What is available and what I take on
Speaking and workshop fees vary by travel and length, these are typical.
Riverwork, novel
Two sisters, one barge company and the summer the contracts ran out.
Signed first editions
Signed and personalized copies shipped through my local independent bookstore.
Bookstore and festival readings
A reading, a conversation and audience questions, usually about an hour.
Craft workshops
Half day sessions on structure and revision for MFA programs and writing centers.
Monthly reader letter
One email a month on what I am writing, reading and getting wrong.
About Nora
I write slowly about places that get written off
I grew up in a paper mill town in northern Minnesota and every book I have written circles back to that kind of place, where the plant is the plot and everyone knows the schedule. My first novel came out in 2007 and I have averaged one book every four years since, which is slow, and I have made peace with that. Between books I teach revision workshops and answer every reader letter, eventually.
•Four books published, translated into nine languages
•Regular workshop teaching at writing centers and MFA programs
•Signed copies available through my local independent bookstore
Reviews
From readers and hosts
“She read for twenty minutes and took questions for fifty. Our members are still talking about it six months later.”
Helen O., Library event coordinator
“I gave The Long Shift to my father, who does not read novels. He finished it in a weekend and called me about it.”
Sam W., Reader
FAQ
Frequently asked
When is the next book out?
The fifth book, a nonfiction account of the last two years of a Minnesota paper mill, is scheduled for next spring. Dates move, so the reader letter is the fastest way to hear the real one.
How do I book you for an event?
Use the contact form with your date, city, audience size and format. I take about sixty events a year and book roughly six months out, with a lower fee for libraries and public schools.
Will you read my manuscript?
I am not able to read unpublished manuscripts, mostly for legal reasons and partly because I would never write again. The workshops are where I can actually be useful on someone else's draft.
How can I get a signed copy?
Order through my local independent bookstore's website and note the name you want it personalized to. I sign there roughly twice a month and they ship anywhere in the country.
Contact
Reach out
Event inquiries, media requests and reader mail all come to the same place. I answer on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Phone(555) 555-0161
AddressCorrespondence through Beacon Hill Literary, Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota
HoursInquiries answered Tue and Thu